Before These Crowded Streets Review

Released: Apr 28, 1998Genre: RockStyles: Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, American Trad Rock, Jam BandsNumber Of Tracks: 11
Still, these are minor flaws on an album that relies on tone and improvisation, both of which are in ample supply on Before These Crowded Streets.

Before These Crowded Streets
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on april 20, 2005 3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Sound: The Dave Matthews Band is one of the greatest bands to ever hit the music scene. They've always been known for their signature sound and lengthy jam sessions. Both are shown extremely well on "Before These Crowded Streets." Their sound and the group themselves are so incredibly tight and fine-tuned on the record and it has the energy of one of their infamous live shows. The band experiments with new sounds on the album and bring in long-time collaborator Tim Reynolds on guitar, Bela Fleck on banjo, and even Alanis Morrisette on vocals on two of the tracks. The record desplays a finer attention to detail than in the earlier records. // 10

Lyrics: Dave Matthews has always been an amazing songwriter and his skills are put to full use on the record. The lyrics fit the tone the songs set and really pack a hell of a punch. The topics vary from the funnest parts of love ("Stay"), how the white man screwed the Native Americans ("Don't Drink The Water"), and raunchy sex ("Rapunzel"). Dave Matthews's lyrics hit their peak on this album. // 10

Overall Impression: Overall, "Before These Crowded Streets" is an extrordinary album that displays extrordinary talent. It's a must own for any DMB fan and for someone just getting into the group or jam bands in general. It has become one of my favorite CDs in my collection. It kicks ass! // 10

Before These Crowded Streets
Reviewed by:
patterson_22, on september 06, 2006 0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Sound: This is the most original and innovative sound in todays music. I've never heard anything like it, even in other albums by the band. It's by far the darkest album the band has ever put out. It has a very bar-like feel to it. Has a lot of jazz and blues influence. Like always, drummer Carter Beauford shows why many consider him the greatest around. Alanis Morisette does some backup work on a few the songs. In "Spoon" and "Don't Drink The Water" she's amazing. Bassist Stefan Lessard really drives some grooves. In the end, nothing else compares with the sound on this CD. Rapunzel is like nothing else I ever heard before. At times it almost has a spiritual aspect, especially in Dreaming Tree. Tim Reynolds is brought back to do some "tasty" electric guitar work on many of the songs. There is nothing generic or superficial in any of the songs. // 10

Lyrics: Dave Matthews dug deep on this one. The lyrics are incredibly well done. Songs like Crush, Dreaming Tree, Spoon, and Stone take this album to the next level lyricly. Dave Matthews' voice sounds very much the same, but he does it in a way that is slightly deeper than in any previous albums by the band. // 10

Overall Impression: I can't get enough of this album. Although it's obvious that it's the Dave Matthews Band, it is very different than Crash and Under the Table. I would hold it up against any album of all time. Song after song this album keeps you listening. All of the songs have the same feel, yet are very different in sound. There is no question why it won so many awards. Crush is one of the best song I've ever heard. I highly recommend it. This is one very talented band and this album showcases this. // 10